The 56-year Ribble Valley MP, currently sitting as an independent, burst into tears as the verdicts were announced.

Speaking outside the court, Mr Evans said he had been "through 11 months of hell".

The MP said: "This isn't a time for celebration or euphoria.

"As William Roache said on this very spot, there are no winners in these cases, so no celebration.

"Nothing will ever be the same again."

Prime Minister David Cameron was one of many of Mr Evans's Westminster colleagues to comment on the acquittal.

Mr Cameron said: "I very much welcome what he said on the steps of the court and I think everyone should pay heed to that.

Media captionPM David Cameron: "It's hard to imagine the relief Nigel must feel"

"I'm sure he will want to get on with working with his constituents in the Ribble Valley and, as for the future, I'm sure it's something he'll be discussing with the chief whip when he returns to Parliament."

Labour MP for Huddersfield Barry Sheerman said of Mr Evans: "He may have been a bit daft on occasions but never malign."

Michael Fabricant, who was sacked as Conservative party vice-chairman on Wednesday, wrote on Twitter: "Wonderful news that Nigel Evans has been acquitted on all counts. The party whip must now be restored to him without delay!"

Dinner party

Fellow Conservative MP Peter Bone said police and prosecutors faced "serious questions" over their handling of the case.

He tweeted: "Good day for Nigel Evans but why was he charged in the first place? Serious questions for the police and CPS to answer! So pleased for Nigel."

A CPS spokesperson said: "The complainants in this case provided clear accounts of the alleged offending and it was right that all of the evidence was put before a jury."

Lancashire Police said all the evidence had been carefully scrutinised and the force remained committed to investigating accusations, no matter how historical and regardless of the status of the alleged offender.

Media captionThe BBC's Danny Savage reports on how the case unfolded

Mr Evans's trial had heard he raped a man after a dinner party at the MP's home in Pendleton, Lancashire, in March last year.

The 56-year-old MP said the sex with the complainant, aged 22, was consensual.

In 2003, Mr Evans was said to have indecently assaulted two men in their 20s when he approached them in public places while drunk and put his hand down their trousers.

The jury heard in his defence that these were examples of "drunken over-familiarity" and Mr Evans had no recollection of either event.

Media captionDet Supt Ian Critchley: "The investigation was conducted in a fair, professional and proportional way"

The MP gave up the Tory party whip to become deputy speaker, and could potentially have it returned following his acquittal.

A Conservative Party spokesman said: "We are very pleased Nigel Evans has been cleared of all charges after this very difficult time."

Mr Evans, who was born in Swansea and lives in Pendleton, Lancashire, became deputy speaker in June 2010, a politically neutral role.

He resigned from the post after he was charged in September 2013 but continued to represent his constituents as an independent.